AHS girls’ lacrosse to build on its success

By: Kyle Moylan
   As he enters his second season on the job as the coach of the Allentown High School varsity girls’ lacrosse team, Jeff Hanford finds himself in an interesting situation.
   While the school and most of his girls are new to the sport (its the coach’s second year because that’s as long as the varsity program has been around at Allentown), Hanford has a group of girls that have already recorded a 9-7 season and made the state playoffs.
   "The hope is we’ll keep the stuff we learned and keep the program moving," Hanford noted. "We did lose four key players, but we are returning the core of the team."
   Another loss on the roster is someone that has become an inspiration for everyone in the community. Becca Wishbow played a lot for team last year, but will miss this season as she battles a serious illness.
   "We’re dedicating this season to her," Hanford said. "The motto this year is ‘Bring it home for Becca.’ We want to play hard and win for her."
   Allentown doesn’t have a freshman team, but there are 33 girls in the program. Hanford will be assisted in coaching these girls by Amy Kranchalk, Julie Ann Hoebee and Megan Smith.
   Among the returnees for Allentown are three all-conference selections. Brittany Petrella, a senior, made the First Team as a defender. Colleen Giglia and Kelsey Grant, also both seniors, made the Second Team on the attack.
   Other seniors on the team are defenders Caitlyn Crane, Jordan Merritt and Trisha Timony (goalie). Seniors on the attack are Laura Franks and Lindsey Smith.
   Junior defenders include Jess Abramo and Kristen Hum. Jackie Turner plays on the attack.
   Sophomore defenders include Abigail Chek, Kiersten Hendrickson, Lauren Mottershead and Kaitlin Shamlian. Attack players are Taylor Harvey, Nicole Miller, Emily Petroff, Kelly Yock and Lauren Wilkins.
   The freshmen on the attack is Jordan Blair. Annie Matrone plays goal. Alexa Berry, Alexa Johnson, Samantha Scibilia and Margaret Manifriedi are on the defense.
   "We’re still a young program trying to find our way, but I think we’ll be strong on senior leadership," Hanford noted.
   "We feel like we have a lot unfinished business. We’re a scrappy bunch. That’s the way Becca is. Becca will keep fighting and we’ll fight hard for her."